BENTONVILLE — Melanie R. Bowles,

61, of Bentonville, Ark., passed away Aug. 21, 2020, with her family by her side.

She was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1999 and, as a strong Christian, continued to raise her family and live her life to the fullest despite her prognosis.

She routinely gave God the glory in her testimony that He was in control and ultimately, all would be well. And she was right, living 13 years past doctors’ seven-year prognosis. Melanie was an amazing wife, mother, and best friend on whom you could always depend.

She was the oldest daughter of Kenneth and Peggy Lejeune of Lake Charles, La. Melanie graduated from LaGrange High School in 1976 and received her BS in environmental science and microbiology in 1980. She also obtained her teaching certification (in math and biology) and master gardener certification, as gardening was per passion.

She married her husband, Mark C. Bowles, in 1985. After meeting professionally, they were best friends for nearly three years. Once their relationship turned more serious, they dated for just ten days before Mark proposed. They were married for 35 wonderful years.

Melanie is survived by two amazing sons, Ryan A. Bowles (Tish) of Dallas; and Conner D. Bowles of Minneapolis.

Melanie was exceptionally smart and compassionate. She adapted her career and the raising of her children to support the various job transfers that her husband’s career necessitated.

During Melanie’s career, she worked in wastewater regulatory compliance, hazardous waste management, compliance management for three gas-fired power plants, environmental consulting, middle school and high school teaching, and church administration.

Melanie loved challenges. In the early 1990s, she started the Environmental Technology program at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. When Melanie was not satisfied with the quality of Mother’s Day Out programs available for her family, she started the Redeemer Lutheran Children’s Center in Beaumont, Texas. Both programs are still in existence.

As Melanie was a certified Master Gardener, her yard, was her passion wherever she lived. She was often invited to visit yards in the neighborhood to help provide ideas on how to spruce things up. Melanie was also actively involved in the Crisis Pregnancy Center as a mentor and served as a Sunday school teacher in her church. Additionally, she was passionate about raising Suzie, her rescue Terrier that she loved dearly.

Melanie was most proud of her family — especially her two sons. As her health declined, she focused not on her illness but instead on the future well-being of her family. She was, and will remain, the center of the universe for them. She will be deeply missed, and always greatly loved, by all of her family and friends

Due to covid-19 concerns, private memorials with family members will be held in Bentonville and Lake Charles. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to 4 Paws for Ability that provides service dogs to children worldwide. Arrangements by Benton County Memorial Park, Rogers, Ark. Online guestbook: www.bentoncountymemorialpark.com .